Knee Replacement

[Scrappy_Tink]

Though, I guess I won't be "technically" disabled at the time....my last knee replacement (got my left done last month, and will get the right down in Feb) Will 9 months be long enough to heal without the need of an ECV?. Can anyone that had this experience please let me know if that is enough "healing" time to enjoy the parks, or do you think I'll still have a need for an ECV? Thanks for your responses!!

 

[cmwade77]

I don't have personal experience with a knee replacement, but I know people who have and every single person is different, for some that will be enough, for others, it will not. Again, just based on what I have seen from those that I know that have had this done.

 

[GadgetTheInventor]

Normally doctors will do surgery on the worst knee first, so you should have a good idea of how well your second knee will be doing at 9 months post-op by checking your first knee at 9 months post-op.

Your ROM is probably going to be set well before 9 months if that is an issue for you (it was for my DM).

You can always rent a scooter in the park.

My best advice would be to work hard on strengthening your non-op knee BEFORE surgery so that you will have a quicker recovery time after surgery.

 

[asta]

Like the previous poster said, everyone is different but I can share my experience. I had a total knee replacement on one knee on Oct 30th of last year. We were given a free trip in June so my trip was almost 8 months out. I think it was a little too soon but who could resist a free trip. I did not rent an ECV because I thought that I could just take it slow and rest a lot. (I also did not trust my ability to drive one.) The biggest problem is that WDW just does not have that many benches or other places to sit. After an hour or so of walking around I needed to rest my leg and it was sometimes hard to find a place. By nighttime everyone in the parks seemed to be tired and the few benches we're always taken.

It may seem contradictory but I did have a good time. My leg just wore out. And I have been almost compulsive about exercising. I work out with weights and cardio five days a week and have been doing this for three years. It just takes time to heal.

As far as rides, I was able to do everything, even the roller coasters. I worried about being able to get in and out of rides like Space Mountain or Rock and Roller Coaster but didn't really have a problem. I just held onto the ride vehicles and lowered myself or pulled myself out. I do have two big cautions. Be very careful on Test Track. The step down into the car was much steeper than I expected and I really hurt my new joint getting in. I think this may have been responsible for a lot of my trouble for the rest of the trip. The only other ride that gave me trouble was Star Tours. I was seated in the back row and my feet were too far off the floor (I don't know if the other rows are lower). The ride really slings you around and with nothing to brace your leg on my knee hurt during that ride.

I'll be glad to answer any other questions.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Like the previous poster said, everyone is different but I can share my experience. I had a total knee replacement on one knee on Oct 30th of last year. We were given a free trip in June so my trip was almost 8 months out. I think it was a little too soon but who could resist a free trip. I did not rent an ECV because I thought that I could just take it slow and rest a lot. (I also did not trust my ability to drive one.) The biggest problem is that WDW just does not have that many benches or other places to sit. After an hour or so of walking around I needed to rest my leg and it was sometimes hard to find a place. By nighttime everyone in the parks seemed to be tired and the few benches we're always taken.

It may seem contradictory but I did have a good time. My leg just wore out. And I have been almost compulsive about exercising. I work out with weights and cardio five days a week and have been doing this for three years. It just takes time to heal.

As far as rides, I was able to do everything, even the roller coasters. I worried about being able to get in and out of rides like Space Mountain or Rock and Roller Coaster but didn't really have a problem. I just held onto the ride vehicles and lowered myself or pulled myself out. I do have two big cautions. Be very careful on Test Track. The step down into the car was much steeper than I expected and I really hurt my new joint getting in. I think this may have been responsible for a lot of my trouble for the rest of the trip. The only other ride that gave me trouble was Star Tours. I was seated in the back row and my feet were too far off the floor (I don't know if the other rows are lower). The ride really slings you around and with nothing to brace your leg on my knee hurt during that ride.

I'll be glad to answer any other questions.

Thanks for your reply!! We'll I'm totally bionic now! We went to WDW for a quick trip last month, and I went ahead and rented an ECV....My energy level just isn't where it should be yet, and between that, the heat, and lack of benches, it was the best decision I made. The only ride i had a problem with was getting pin/out of the boat for the POTC....but we didn't do any of the coasters this trip. I'm hoping in November (it'll be the one year mark for my left knee) our cruise will go well. I've been having issues with my left knee, where it still hurts getting up/down It's been such a lonnnnnnnnng road!!

 

[SHISHI]

I had my left knee replaced May 7th, and our WDW vacation is 8/23 to 9/1. It's been a long recovery, especially with a "bad" right knee. I still have some stiffness and pain. I just went back to work on 8/1. I have already rented a scooter and I'm bringing a folding cane to help get into/out of rides. One of the worst problems I had was that I couldn't sleep at night. I went three months without sleeping through the night, tossing and turning, up 2-3 times a night. I just went to the doctor on Thursday and he prescribed a mild sleeping pill. I did sleep that night!! I am worried about getting tired so I may snooze in my scooter while my son is on rides that I don't go on.